After an entertaining first day at Wimbledon, there should be plenty of exciting on day two with a certain superstar making an unexpected return to the action. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Elena Rybakina vs Lois Boisson, Madison Keys vs Kayla Day, Iga Swiatek vs Taylor Townsend, Elina Svitolina vs Daria Snigur, Linda Noskova vs Ella Seiderl, Amanda Anisimova vs Lina Gjorcheska, and Alexandra Eala vs Renata Zarazua. But who will advance?
Wimbledon Day 2 Predictions
Serena Williams vs Maya Joint
Zain: Serena Williams is actually back. Maya Joint, on her day, is a very capable counterpuncher and the type of opponent that can do well against this version of Williams, but she is quite a bit short on confidence. Up against the entire stadium and a legendary player, who is to say yet another legendary moment doesn’t happen for Williams?
Prediction: Williams in 3
Ilemona: Williams returns to Wimbledon, where she has enjoyed so much success, but this is a very different challenge after several years away from singles competition. Joint has already shown she can compete at tour level with her aggressive baseline game, yet Williams’ experience on grass and ability to produce on the biggest stages could help her find the level required in the key moments.
Prediction: Serena in 3
Nurein: It’s the most anticipated first-round match at this year’s Wimbledon. Joint has struggled badly in recent months, with just one win since January. If Serena’s serve is clicking, I reckon her experience and first-strike tennis should carry her through a tight win.
Prediction: Williams in 3
Iryna Shymanovich vs Viktorija Golubic
Zain: Iryna Shymanovich did show some great tennis to make it to the main draw from qualifying, using her aggressive baseline game. But it is quite likely that her run has run its course here against Viktorija Golubic, as the Swiss has shown in the lead-up to Wimbledon that she can play very well on grass.
Prediction: Golubic in 2
Ilemona: Golubic remains one of the craftiest players on grass, using her slice backhand and variety to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. Shymanovich has worked hard to earn her place in the main draw, but Golubic’s comfort on this surface should allow her to dictate play more often than not.
Prediction: Golubic in 2
Nurein: Golubic’s slice is a shot that is so soothing to the eye during the grass-court swing. Her low skidding shots become even more effective here at Wimbledon. I expect her experience to wear Shymanovich down over two sets.
Prediction: Golubic in 2
Camila Osorio vs Simona Waltert
Zain: This match will be decided by which player has the more effective day from the baseline, as Simona Waltert is a counterpuncher, while Camila Osorio likes to grind out matches, with both players preferring slower surfaces. I think Waltert has the slightly better serve, which on this surface can prove to be the difference.
Prediction: Waltert in 3
Ilemona: Osorio’s fighting spirit always keeps her in matches, but grass has never been her strongest surface. Waltert has quietly developed into a capable grass-court player, and her flatter groundstrokes should help her take time away from the Colombian.
Prediction: Waltert in 2
Nurein: It’s tough to gauge who is in better shape going into this first round match. Both women lost at the first hurdle in their only warm-up tournament before Wimbledon. But Waltert has the tools to play quicker points on faster surfaces. Maybe that could be decisive here.
Prediction: Waltert in 3
Sinja Kraus vs Oksana Selekhmeteva
Zain: These players have faced off against each other multiple times, and each time it has been a three-set battle. Expect nothing less here, as Oksana Selekhmeteva’s topspin causes some issues for Sinja Kraus once again, but ultimately the Austrian problem-solves her way to a well-earned victory.
Prediction: Kraus in 3
Ilemona: Both players arrive with solid form from the ITF and Challenger circuits, making this one of the tighter first-round contests. Selekhmeteva has shown slightly more consistency against higher-ranked opposition this season, and her ability to redirect pace could prove decisive over three sets.
Prediction: Selekhmeteva in 3
Nurein: After two unsuccessful qualifying attempts, Kraus earns a direct spot in the main draw this year after breaking into the top 100. She sits just two spots below Selekhmeteva, but she’s outperformed the Russian for most of this season and holds a 2-1 head-to-head advantage.
Prediction: Kraus in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
